Colon Cancer: Screening is the Key

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Screening is the Key

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum) can be prevented with regular screening starting around age 45. If you are between the ages of 45 and 75, and you think you may have a high risk of developing the disease, it’s best to start talking to your doctor about routine colorectal cancer screenings. Regular screening is the key to preventing colorectal cancer because both colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer might present with no symptoms at first. For this reason, frequent colorectal cancer screenings is crucial.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer or largely known as colon cancer, is a condition in which cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably. The colon, also known as the large intestine or bowel, and the anus are connected by the rectum.

Polyps, which are abnormal growths, can originate in the colon or in the rectum. Over time, certain polyps may eventually develop into cancer. They can be found through screening tests, allowing for their removal before they develop into cancer.

What are the symptoms?

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer do not always cause symptoms at first. Polyps, if left untreated, might develop into cancer. In most cases, a person may have polyps or colorectal cancer and be unaware of it. The following are the common symptoms one must be aware of:

• A change in bowel habits.
• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
• Diarrhea, constipation, or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way.
• Abdominal pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away.
• Weight loss and you don’t know why.

If any of these symptoms are present, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.

What are the risk factors?

The odds of getting colon cancer increases as a person gets older. Aside from this, here are some risk factors that you cannot control:

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps
• A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) external icon or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)

Risk factors attributed to your lifestyle that may also contribute to increased risk of developing colon cancer are:

• Lack of regular physical activity
• A diet low in fruit and vegetables
• A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats
• Overweight and obesity
• Alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use

How can I reduce my risk?

Routine Screening. In general, getting routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 45 is the most efficient method to lower your chance of developing the disease.

Diet. To lower the risk of other chronic diseases, such as coronary artery disease and diabetes, medical authorities frequently advocate a diet low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This diet may also help lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

Healthy Lifestyle. Some research suggests that increased physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol use, and avoiding cigarette use may reduce the chance of developing colorectal cancer.

Colon Cancer in the Philippines

When it comes to cancer-related mortality among Filipinos, colorectal cancer comes in at number four in the Philippines. It ranks third as the most common cancer in the country. According to the Philippine Cancer Society, Inc., about 75% of those affected were over the age of 50, with only around 3 were aged 14 and under. According to estimates, one in 1800 Filipinos will get cancer each year.

In 2022, the Department of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology (PSG), and Philippine Society of Digestive Endoscopy launched its National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. The goal of the screening program is to decrease colorectal cancer-related fatalities by encouraging early identification using colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical testing (FIT).

FIT is a simple test that may be done at home. It is recommended to have it done once a year to detect hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early indicator of cancer. Nevertheless, FIT cannot detect colorectal cancer. Those with positive FIT findings should see a gastroenterologist to schedule a colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy is a test that involves inserting a long, flexible tube (colonoscope) into the rectum. A tiny video camera at the tip of the tube allows the gastroenterologist to inspect the whole colon and rectum for changes or abnormalities.

Sources:

N. (2022, April 5). DoH to pilot colorectal cancer screening program. BusinessWorld Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/health/2022/04/06/440404/doh-to-pilot-colorectal-cancer-screening-program/

What Is Colorectal Cancer? | CDC. (n.d.). https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/what-is-colorectal-cancer.htm

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. (n.d.). Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/news_and_updates/march-is-national-colorectal-cancer-awareness-month/